Multiple toy rocket launching system

ABSTRACT

The system includes a foot-generated air pump, a launch hose which extends from the air pump and a plurality of tube launchers in fluid communication with the launch hose, extending outwardly therefrom. Individual toy foam rockets are adapted to fit in a fluid-tight relationship with the launch tubes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to air launched toy rockets and more specifically concerns a launching system for one or more such toy rockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air pressure launch mechanisms for toys, including toy rockets, are well known. One example of a hand-held system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,985 owned by the assignee of the present invention. However, such existing hand held pump toys are somewhat limited in the range of toy rocket flight which they can produce. Further, although some systems have an arrangement which includes multiple rockets, they can only launch one rocket at a time. Hence, it would be desirable to have a toy rocket air launch system which produces longer/higher flights, and is able to launch more than one rocket at a time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the launch system for air toys comprises: an air pump; a flexible launch hose which extends from the air pump; at least one launch tube in fluid communication with the launch hose, adapted to receive an air toy; and at least one air toy, adapted to fit on the launch tube, wherein in operation, pressure on the air pump results in a burst of air moving through the length of the launch hose and into the launch tube, forcing the air toy off of the launch tube and into the air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air launch system showing rockets positioned thereon prior to launch.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the air launching system of FIG. 1, without rockets in position.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the launching system generally at 10 with a plurality of rockets 12, 14 and 16. The launch system includes an air pump 18 which is conventional in style and operation. It includes a flat pad 20 for positioning the pump on a surface and an air bladder 22 which fills with air following each operation by means of a one-way inlet valve 23. Extending from the air bladder 22 is a flexible plastic launch hose 24. The launch hose can be of various lengths but in the embodiment shown is approximately 3-4 feet in length, with an internal diameter of approximately ½ inch. Positioned near the distal end of launch hose 24 is a plurality of hollow launch tubes 26, 28 and 30. The launch tubes are a rigid plastic and typically include a base ring. In the embodiment shown, the launch tubes are approximately 12 inches high. The interior of the hollow launch tubes connect with the interior of the launch hose 24 so that there is a fluid connection between launch hose 24 and the launch tubes. In the embodiment shown there are three launch tubes, but this number could vary. The launch tubes 26, 28 and 30 are each swivelable about the launch hose so the rockets can be launched at various angles. In the embodiment shown, the angle of the launch tubes is 45° in both directions from the vertical. Further, anchoring elements 32 and 34 anchor the portion of the launch hose containing the launch tubes to the surface so as to maintain a stable launch for the rockets.

Rockets 34, 36 and 38 are adapted to be positioned on the launch tubes 26, 28 and 30. The rockets may be of various configurations. In the embodiment shown, the rockets are foam, approximately 8-10 inches high and have fins at the rear end therefor for flight stabilization.

In operation, the rockets are positioned on the launch tubes in an airtight relationship while permitting the rockets to be launched off the launch tube by a burst of air pressure from the pump 18.

Prior to operation, air bladder 22 is full of air. The user then will then press hard and quickly on the air bladder, typically by jumping directly on the air bladder. This will very quickly depress the air bladder, forcing a burst of air through the launch hose and then through one or more of the launch tubes. The air pressure is sufficient to force the rockets off of their launch tubes, and will typically result in the rockets flying up to 300 feet, thereby achieving one of the desired features of the launch system. One, two or all three rockets can be launched at one time. The rockets will then be retrieved by the user. When the user releases pressure from the air bladder, the air bladder will inflate to normal pressure. The system is ready for its next launch.

Hence an air launching system for toy rockets has been disclosed. The system includes the capability of launching one or more rockets at the same time while producing an extended length and/or height of flight.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A launch system for air toys, comprising: an air pump; a flexible launch hose which extends from the air pump; at least one launch tube in fluid communication with the launch hose, adapted to receive an air toy; and at least one air toy, adapted to fit on the launch tube, wherein in operation, pressure on the air pump results in a burst of air moving through the length of the launch hose and into the launch tube, forcing the air toy off of the launch tube and into the air.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the air pump is foot operated.
 3. The system of claim 1, including a plurality of launch tubes in fluid communication with the launch hose and a plurality of air toys fitable thereon.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch tubes are in the vicinity of the distal end of the launch hose.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch tube or tubes are swivelable about the launch hose so as to provide different angles for launching air toys.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the launch tubes have an angle of rotation of approximately 45° to both sides of vertical.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the air toys are foam rockets. 